News, events & new releases 30 June

Mike's Organic Brewery plans to continue trading following liquidation - Mike’s Organic Brewery has been put into liquidation over unpaid excise owed to the Customs Service. Owner Ron Trigg told Stuff the missed customs and excise payments happened when bank loans the company had were restructured during the global financial crisis. At the same time he took the option of making excise duty payments biannually rather than monthly and missed several payments. While the brewer made subsequent excise duty payments it was unable to catch up on those it missed. Mike’s is the third Taranaki drinks producer to go into liquidation over excise payments this year. Mike’s website says the brewery plans to continue trading: “Mike’s Beer is excited about future prospects. Mike’s Holdings Limited will be working with the liquidators to ensure continuity of supply to the market place. Mike's as a brand continues to grow and these changes will ensure they continue to produce world class craft beers for at least another 27 years!"

New Zealand's hottest home brewers - Beervana’s annual home brewing competition has a new spin this year. Since you’ve mastered the art of producing a great beer, the competition will now test your physical and mental skills live on the Beervana stage. Entries must be an IPA this year, which will be judged for its general beeriness and for its name and label design. Then entering brewers will get up on stage to demonstrate their Flip Cup skills and their beer knowledge. First prize is the opportunity to brew commercially, $1000, 2017 Beervana VIP experience and goods from sponsor Black Rock. All the details here.

Smash 'n' GABS - 30 June-2 July, Hashigo Zake, 25 Taranaki St, Wellington. HZ sent a research envoy to both Melbourne and Auckland GABS Festivals, to select the best festival beers from the 120 on offer. Once the dust of GABS Auckland settled, we quickly snapped up the left-over kegs of our favourite beers. Now we're bringing some of the GABS magic to Wellington!